The Mackenzie | Rules and Safety

Mountain Bikes must be in safe and serviceable condition. 

All riders must wear a NZ safety standards approved bike helmet and carry 2 spare tubes, pump or CO2 shot, bicycle multi-tool, and chain lube. 

We will have a technician at the Race Village as well as near the mid-way point of the race to assist with basic repairs and issues on the day. 

The course is a mixture of sealed and unsealed road, farm tracks, river beds and river crossings. 

While the event is held in the middle of summer, Lake Tekapo is just over 700m above sea level. The weather can change quickly and there can be snow at any time of the year. 

Minimum clothing required: 

• merino or thermal long sleeved top, 
• waterproof seam-sealed jacket, 
• survival bag (not blanket)
• Basic first aid items - 4 non adherent dressing pads 7.6mm x 10.2  (ie Telfa), 6 bandaids, crepe bandage, panadol, strapping tape (no less than 1.5m)

You must also carry with you at least 2L of water and enough food to maintain your nutrition needs for the duration of the race. There are Aid Stations on course, however we will not be able to refill everyone's water bladders/bottles at every stop. 

It is your responsibility to manage your nutritional needs during The Mackenzie race. 

We recommend wearing padded cycle shorts and gloves (either wearing or taking with you in your pack).

There are no gear checks scheduled for The Mackenzie brought to you by Devold, although spot checks will occur before the start and also out on course.

 If someone is deemed to not be carrying the compulsory clothing required, or does not have the required bike gear to safely complete the race, it is the Race Directors discretion to remove someone from the event. 

You do not have to be wearing the compulsory clothing, but you must have it with you during the race (ie, in your backpack/hydration pack)

You must attend the Race Briefing on the morning of the race.

You must be able to complete basic bike repairs yourself - self sufficient when dealing with punctures/chains.

If you are not carrying the correct gear you will be disqualified from the race.

Your race Number Plate must be visible on the front of your bike throughout the race. 

General NZ road rules apply. Roads will remain open for the duration of the race. Keep left and watch for traffic. If someone is not following this rule they will be disqualified immediately from the race.

Traffic Management marshals instructions must be followed at all times. 

Race marshals on course have the ability to hold any rider back while they liaise with the Race Director regarding any breaking of the race rules. Final decisions will be made by the Race Director. 

The race cut offs will be strictly adhered to. Anyone who does not make the cut off will be brought back to the Race Village by vehicle.

You must ride single file unless passing. If you wish to pass you need to call to the rider in front before passing, and then pass on the right. Check for vehicles BEFORE passing!

The river crossings will be managed by experienced personnel. All instructions must be adhered to. This is for your own safety. 

The course may be altered at any stage due to weather, safety concerns, or for any reason deemed necessary by the Race Director. All competitors will be notified either by email or through Facebook the night before the race - or if a sudden change is required competitors will be notified at the Race Briefing on the morning of the race. 

No support crews are required or allowed on the course.

Competitors must use the same bike for the duration of the race. 

All rubbish must be taken with you until the next Aid Station or the Race Village when you finish.

Music devices are not permitted as they pose a safety risk to yourself and fellow competitors. 

The Muster: 16 years +

The Mini Muster: 14 years + 

Younger ages may be permitted on a case by case basis. Please email the Race Director to discuss. kerry@scenicsports.net 

At the top of the lake there are two rivers to cross. The Godley River and the Macaulay River. These crossings will be managed by experienced personnel.

If the water is deemed to be too high and/or flowing at a pace deemed unsafe then you will not be able to cross. 

AN ALTERNATE COURSE will be announced at the Race Briefing if we are unable to get you across the river/s. All decisions will be made after consulting with experienced water safety personnel.

The Alternate Course will still be awesome - and will have sections on private land so you will still get to experience a 'one-day-only event'!!